But here's the thing...I always knew T.J.Maxx was a great place for trendy finds at affordable prices, but I had no idea how many amazing designer pieces it offers as part of its runway section. It's the most creative fashion playground I've stumbled upon in quite a long time, and the best part is there's something for everyone's personal style.

Check out some of the items Nicole picked for me to try on, and tell me your faves!

Outfit #1:

Nicole's Take: "I loved your leather pants outfit for many reasons. One, the coat makes a statement, but it’s also black and can be worn many different ways. I love the leather pants because it’s a great trend for fall, and it’s also this nice bordeaux color. I love the monochromatic top with the leather pants. It’s really elongating and a great look."

Outfit #2:

"I love your snakeskin olive dress. The fit was perfect. It’s just a really feminine, beautiful silhoeutte on you, and I love the bomber jacket...the contrast...it’s more downtown, and you’ll wear that all the time. You can dress it with jeans, long dresses, anything. You can do booties with tights, or a high, over-the-knee boot, which is huge for fall."

In fact, I ended up wearing the olive snakeskin designer dress just the other night on the red carpet and paired it with my over-the-knee leather boots.

Outfit #3:

I didn't end up getting the sheath dress (below), which seemed a bit too tailored for my style, but I did buy the designer bomber leather jacket, which I'm sure I'll be wearing as soon as the weather decides to stop resembling summer in L.A.!

What's awesome is that T.J.Maxx wants you to dress for your personality and not what is flying off store shelves. In my case, it's the maxidress, which has never worked for me, and Nicole agreed. Whether it's my athletic frame, or just the fact that the style overwhelms me, it just doesn't work. Personality > trend. (In fact, take their personality quiz to determine your style by clicking here. I'm the Devoted Dresser type apparently!).

So how did Rachel Bilson's stylist get involved with T.J.Maxx? Well, it was actually a full circle moment as Chavez tells it. "I've been a fan of the brand since I was 16 and started my fashion career at T.J.Maxx! They approached me about this project, and I obviously have a huge passion for fashion and self-expression, and that’s what this is about. It isn’t about the brands and more that I can come in here and find anything and everything. I love that my possibilities are endless and they are constantly replenishing [their inventory]. I feel like I’m on this hunt for these hidden treasures, and it’s a great reveal for me when I can find that great piece."

What's your key signature piece? “I’m a big fan of accessories. You can really say a lot through your accessories, and it doesn’t have to cost a fortune to do so. I love my leopard scarf. I travel with it, sleep with it, basically live in it.”

What's your best advice to those that want to follow in your footsteps? “Don’t give up and stay true to whatever your passion is. I totally believe that dreams come true. I studied photography and didn’t have any formal fashion training. It’s also really important to know that you have to work hard and sometimes for free. Mostly I find that girls these days...girls and boys...they want this instant success. I’ve been doing this for over 10 years...styling people, and it takes time. There are certain steps and learning curves that come along with the fashion industry. It’s important to respect people in the fashion industry and learn from them. Anyone who comes to intern for me, I am an open book. You can follow me around all day long.”

One of your first jobs was in the wardrobe department on The O.C., which is where you met Rachel. Do you have a favorite outfit that you styled Rachel in over the years? “I remember Rachel wearing a dress to The Last Kiss premiere. It was a gray Brian Reyes dress with a little red belt with white shoes, and it was just a magic moment where we met Brian, and he was a new designer starting out, and it was Rachel’s big movie. It brings back really fond memories.”

So many of us love fashion, but what really inspired you to get into the business? “I’m actually really shy, so fashion is a conversation starter for me, especially when I make these bold statements with statement pieces. It allows me to make a statement and then let people approach me, and I feel more comfortable, because we’re talking about fashion now, and that’s what I’m comfortable with.”

Finally, what are you most excited about for spring? “I’m excited that the crop trend is still alive. I was anxious about it, but it’s actually really fun, as long as you find something that is a little higher-waisted, it’s a really flattering look, no matter what size you are. You really have to be objective about your body type, and know what trends to dress for your body type, and then it’s smooth sailing. Pick the piece that works best on your body and then go out and find that piece within the trend. That’s really important.”

To find your nearest T.J.Maxx store, visit the website's location tracker, and make sure to follow Nicole on twitter as well.

What's your favorite outfit from above, and let me know what great designer items you find at T.J.Maxx!

Photos: Getty Images; Jessica Radloff

Jessica RadloffWest Coast entertainment writer. Always trying to make each interview more fun than the last. Obsessed with the St. Louis Cardinals, Scott Speedman, Sprinkles cupcakes--and apparently the letter S.